Pain in the thyroid
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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A lot of people, especially women, know first-hand the meaning of the word "goiter". But contrary to popular opinion, the pain in the thyroid gland can be caused by other diseases. The human thyroid gland is an important element of the endocrine system, which produces vital hormones. The work of the thyroid gland directly affects the work of other organs and systems of our body. In the event that thyroid dysfunction occurs, a pain symptom may appear at the location of the thyroid gland.
Causes of the pain in the thyroid
- Hyperthyroidism
- Thyroiditis
- Chronic fibrotic thyroiditis of Riedel
- Chronic Lymphomatous Thyroiditis Hashimoto
- Granulomatous thyroiditis of de Kervena-Krail
- Thyroid cancer
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Who to contact?
Diagnostics of the pain in the thyroid
If you have the above symptoms, people often consult a specialist in the otolaryngologist, since they mistakenly believe that the thyroid gland and the trachea or something in the throat do not hurt. But, after analyzing the thyroid pain, its character and accompanying symptoms, it is possible to determine for yourself that it is the source of painful sensations. In this case, the diagnosis and treatment should be referred to a doctor-endocrinologist.
Differential diagnosis
- Hyperthyroidism is a condition of increased activity of the thyroid gland, in which an excessive amount of hormones are produced in the gland itself. As a result, the metabolism increases and a person experiences the sensation of a sharp rise in heat and sweating, and also rapidly loses weight. If you experience uncomfortable sensations and pain in the thyroid gland, palpitations and increased irritability, and trembling of the hands, then most likely the doctor will diagnose you with hyperthyroidism.
- Thyroiditis - this complex term refers to an equally complex disease - inflammation of the unchanged thyroid gland (in the event that the patient suffers from goitre, the same disease is called "strumit"). Because of chronic or acute infection, this disease develops. If you have a worsening of health began with a headache, fever, and then the appearance of severe pain in the thyroid gland, which spreads to the ear and back of the head, then you can safely suspect thyroiditis. Especially if there is a swelling in the neck that swings when swallowed.
- Chronic fibrotic thyroiditis of Riedel occurs due to the proliferation of connective and other tissues of the thyroid gland. The gland itself becomes greatly enlarged, dense as a stone and fuses with surrounding tissues. The pain is rather moderate. The causes of this disease are still not fully established.
- Chronic lymphomatous thyroiditis Hashimoto is a disease that in most cases occurs in women older than 50 years. Such a disease belongs to the category of autoimmune diseases. This means that for some reason (most likely, unsettled to the end), the human immune system began to develop components that affect negatively the thyroid gland, thereby causing it to produce a modified non-active hormone thyroglobulin. At the initial stages of chronic lymphomatous thyroiditis Hashimoto the only symptom is an increase in thyroid gland. The disease develops over a fairly long time - from 1 year to 4 years. In later stages, its thyroid function and accumulation of iodine decreases as well.
- Granulomatous thyroiditis de Kervena-Krayla is also commonly called a non-inflammatory thyroiditis. The cause of its occurrence is a viral infection. The clinical manifestations of this disease are very similar to the usual thyroiditis and are also accompanied by pain in the thyroid gland.
- Thyroid cancer is very treatable (recovery is likely in 95% of cases) if detected in the early stages. But, the paradox is that quite often because of the symptoms very similar to the symptoms of infectious diseases (pain in the thyroid, neck, throat, difficulty swallowing and breathing, etc.) doctors fail to deliver the correct diagnosis on time. Most of this affliction affects women over the age of 30. A special risk group is women during the menopause.
The thyroid gland is a real shield of our body. When its function is inadequate or excessive, a person suffers from many unpleasant sensations, a disorder of sleep, a decrease or gain in weight, a fit of heat and anger, and many others. Premature aging of the skin and the appearance of many gastroenterological problems are also often associated with thyroid disease. That is why do not underestimate the pain in the thyroid gland - it should be treated as soon as possible with the help of a qualified specialist.
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